Let me just start by saying that I did some forum searches and read some stuff. I got about 18 pages into the Makin Trax "testimonials" thread, and there was just so much chaff to sift through, I could not find the bits of wheat I was looking for. Got tired of looking, so I hope you don’t mind me asking directly instead.
Basically, I want to know which kit to buy, and would like some advice on adjustment and the sway bar. So here is my background:
I have a 2010 RZR S 800 with about 3700 miles. I’m still running the stock Fox shocks/springs, and I’ve sagged a lot in the rear (the RZR, and me, yes) and have compensated some by adjusting the preload. I weigh 220 lbs, the wife weighs 180, and I carry about 25 lbs of tools and gear in the trunk box. I want to optimize the ride for when we’re both riding. The wife can’t handle the ride being too bumpy. I bought her a suspension seat, but that is not quite enough, so I am ready to make some changes and spend some money to get a smoother ride.
I do not ride dunes (much). I do not jump. I ride service roads that are full of potholes, and mountain/forest trails that are full of jeep ruts, boulders, huge tree roots, stumps, etc. When on the service roads, I ride about 35 mph. When on the rough mountain trails, usually 20-25. I hit things hard. But the priority is softening the ride on service roads.
I have heard that disconnecting the sway bar helps a lot with ride smoothness, but that one needs progressive springs to offset the body roll. However, I have also heard that progressive springs, while softening the bigger bumps, tend to amplify the smaller bumps. I am not sure the wife would be happy with that.
I imagine that the choppiness would be mitigated by the valving dial on the Fox shocks, but not sure to what degree. Should I start at the most open setting, or the most closed setting, or the middle?
I also would like to know where I should start in the preload adjustment. The stock setting was about 1/3 from the top in front and roughly in the middle in the rear. With Makin Trax springs, where should I set the preload for the above mentioned passenger and cargo load?
So once again, to summarize: For a 425-lb load in a 2010 RZR S 800, to soften the potholes on service roads but still handle boulders and tree roots at 20mph well…
1. Which spring kit should I buy?
2. Should I disconnect the sway bar – again, this is an "S" 800 model?
3. Where should I set the valving adjustment screw to start with?
4. Where should I set the spring preload to start with?
Thank you in advance for taking the time to write a detailed, well thought out response.
